This function is used to separate the top, bottom and thickness surface layers of sheet metal parts. The SEPARATE SURFACE operation is similar to the GENERATE MIDDLE SURFACE operation. The following steps are used to group top and bottom surface layers.
1. Once the function is selected, the SELECT SURFACE dialog box appears to prompt the user to select all the surfaces that used to be separated.
2. After selecting entire surfaces, the program will group the top surface automatically. If some top surfaces are not selected, the user can click the ADD TOP SURFACES option to add top surfaces. Refer to the Figure 5.2.13.
Figure 5.2.13 Group Options dialog box
3. User can click GROUP BOTTOM SURFACE to group all top surfaces as illustrated in Figure 5.2.13. The grouped surfaces are highlighted, while the SELECT OPTION dialog box as illustrated in Figure 5.2.14 is displayed.
Figure 5.2.14 Select Option dialog box
4. The bottom surfaces are highlighted. If the result is not satisfactory, the user can select ADD BOTTOM SURFACES or REMOVE BOTTOM SURFACES option to adjust the result.
5. Click on DONE button to group the bottom surfaces of the part (Figure 5.2.14). At this point, Figure 5.2.15 is displayed.
Figure 5.2.15 Group Bottom Surfaces
The thickness surfaces are put in the part called ThkSrf1, the top surfaces are put in the part called TopSrf1, and the bottom surfaces are put in the part called BotSrf1. The number “1” will be incremented by 1 for each subsequent grouping operation.